Strange Grief Wants to Retire ~ The Weakest Hunter Dreams of a Hero ~ - Chapter 359.1: 《Infinite Variety's》 Strategy ⑤

――It is a sight that even I, Serene, who has lived for hundreds of years, can never understand.

A jet-black tree that I have never seen before is moving through the forest.

Spirit People are knowledgeable about plants. I have a complete grasp of the vegetation around Yggdra. However, that tree does not exist in my knowledge.

A bizarre plant that uses its roots like legs and branches like arms. Its size is larger than any of the large trees that make up the forest, with countless branches extending like tentacles from its trunk. For a moment, I think it is a Monster, but at least there are no Monsters like this living near Yggdra.

At the end of the branches that stretch in all directions is Tino, who is supposed to be working with that human. She manipulates the carpet and desperately avoids the branches that are aiming at her.

The great black tree is filled with an enormous power of Mana Materials and Magic power.

No――Not exactly. I managed to push back my desire to stop thinking due to the confusion.

“It is absorbing Mana Materials…………?” (Serene)

Above all else, the most noteworthy place is the trail where the big tree has passed. Like water flowing from a high place to a low place, the Mana Materials in the air is flowing towards the tree. The Mana Materials that was sucked up by the stirring device that was activated a while ago is also being drawn towards it.

It is attracting Mana Materials. It is creating a current. Oddly enough, that is also what we have been trying to do until just now.

“That’s…………………………” (Lucia)

Lucia opens her eyes and speaks up. However, no more meaningful words escaped her lips.

This is clearly the reaction of someone who knows. The other members of 《Strange Grief (Nageki no Borei)》 continue as Lucia stiffens with a drawback expression.

“Cry-chan, you’re so flashy~.” (Liz)

“……………… Umu.” (Anthem)

“Ahhh, ahhh, ahhh…… I-I see…… So we could have done it like thiiis. ………… No, normally speaking, I cannot do that!!” (Sytry)

“……………… It’s quite strange, but why is it that Yowaningen does this kind of thing all the time and hasn’t been caught yet? Desu.” (Kruz)

“………… Maybe human beings have a broader mind than we think.” (Lapis)

I make Miles fly and check the situation. Apparently, that human is on top of that black tree.

So, is this 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 strategy that Sytry was talking about earlier?

When we made the strategy with the Mana Material Stirring Device, it was already inconceivable for me, but I had no idea what this plan was. After seeing 《Infinite Variety’s (Senpen Banka)》 strategy, the strategy that Sytry has devised seems to be tame.

Tino yells in a voice that sounds like a scream as she desperately manipulates the carpet to avoid the attacks.

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“Sytry Onee-samaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Please help meeeeeeeee!” (Tino)

“……! Ti-chan! You remember where the device needs to be installed on the South side, right!? Trace the line!” (Sytry)

Sytry screams. Sytry shouldn’t have been able to see Mana Materials, but she must have understood the situation in an instant from what I said. She intends to achieve our goals in a new way.

“!? Wh-Whyyyyyyyyyy!?” (Tino)

“Just do it, Ti! Or switch with me!!” (Liz)

“I-I’ll do iiit!!” (Tino)

The branches growing from the tree aren’t that fast, but there are a lot of them. I don’t know what will happen to her if she gets caught, but I am sure it will be nothing good.

The pallid expression on her face reminds me of my former self, so I look away. Unfortunately, I cannot even tell her that she can stop running away. There is nothing I can do.

And then, the tree that has been chasing Tino *pitari* stops dead in its tracks.

The branches that had been extending towards Tino stop chasing her, and silence returns to the forest.

Like me, Kruz, who has been staring at the tree in amazement, voices her doubts.

“!? I-It stopped…… Desu? Yowaningen, what are you planning, desu!” (Kruz)

“…… In the first place, I don’t know what that is but…… Is it something that can be controlled?” (Serene)

Considering how desperately Tino is trying to run away, it doesn’t seem like it is under control――.

I observe the stopped tree again. A tree whose trunk and leaves are jet-black absorbing all sunlight. It has thick roots that support its massive body, and a trunk that is far thicker than the trees in the great forest that have existed for as long as Yggdra. As I watch it, an indescribable feeling of discomfort wells up from deep inside my head. Could it be what is called physiological aversion? I don’t know where it came from, but a tree that inexhaustibly absorbs Mana Materials from the air is not something that should exist in a forest.

“How to say, it is a repulsive tree. Finis is――Yggdra Guardian Spirits are, agitated.” (Ruin)

Says Ruin with a stiff expression. Right above Ruin’s head, Finis of the Depletion trembles in fear.

It is the first time I have ever seen my friend, who is always calm and reliable in any situation, make such an expression. Apparently, it is the first time for Ruin to see that tree as well.

Up until now, I have thought that I would be willing to take poison if it means stopping the world’s crisis, but perhaps that was swallow thinking on my part.

Then, Lucia’s face, which has been frozen by her brother’s plan, turns deadly pale. Even though there was no change in her face when she was fighting Ruin, now, Lucia’s desperate scream echoes through the forest.

“E-Everyone, run away! That thing is aiming for things with strong Magic powers!!” (Lucia)

“!??” (Serene)

“It is confused because the number of targets has increased!!” (Lucia)

The tree begins to move again. Branches that bend like vigorous whips stretch out, mowing down the earth soldiers that Miles has left behind and extend towards me. Its speed is faster than I expected when I saw it in front of me. I hurriedly dodge by jumping sideways.

The forest has turned into a hellish scene.

Apparently, that tree was unsure of its target and decided to chase after all of them together.

Lapis shouts in a dignified voice.

“Guh………… R-Run!! Don’t let it catch you!” (Lapis)

“!? Seriously, desu!? Yowaningen, you idioooooooooooooot!” (Kruz)

The Members of 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》 rush out at once. The branches are already extending to the members. Ruin runs out a moment later, and I kick the ground in a hurry.

The speed of the branches isn’t that fast, but it isn’t slow enough to let my guard down. If I don’t run as fast as I can――I will be caught.

The ones being chased are 《Starlight (Hoshi no Seirai)》, Lucia, Ruin, and me. Lucia fires ice arrows while avoiding the attack, but the tree’s movements do not slow down at all. For some reason, Liz, who isn’t being chased, is also running away with Lucia.

“Please get in liiine~! You do remember the placement of the device, right? Please guide it along the flow of the Mana Materials!” (Sytry)

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Screams Sytry, who has taken shelter behind a tree and is apparently not targeted by the tree. There is something like an amused tone behind her voice.

And so began a hellish game of tag in which you must never be caught.

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Thanks for reading! Let’s… GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! Strange Grief is going to have an anime!!!!! Here’s the announcement trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WGyLLfzCo0